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Information Technology

Computer/Network System Administrator

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Annual openings

606

BLS median wage

$103,370

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

10-year growth

+3%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

Credential requirement

A certification in a Computer/Network System Administrator environment/toolset is often viewed positively by Employers. However, it is important to understand which certifications are valued by Employers by looking at current job posting information.

Credential detail

Certifications that are valued by some employers include: • Security + • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) • Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) • Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) • Cisco Certified Information Expert (CCIE) • Fortinet NSE 4 • Network+

Work experience

Entry-level or one to three years from a lower level position.

Experience detail

This job could be Entry-level or could be a promotion from Computer/Network Support Specialist or Computer User Support Specialist, depending on prior training and certifications.

Work-based learning

This job has been identified by employers as a key feeder role into a Cybersecurity career, with networking knowledge being considered as a foundation for many Cybersecurity jobs.

Remote work

Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.

Employer competency information

  • Problem Solving & Decision Making — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it; resolving incidents caused by technical or operator errors; able to quickly identify and compile relevant information and use to solve various problems. Able to identify, frame, and then handle complex challenges by seeking out input from others and reviewing relevant information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to successfully address various challenges, situations, and opportunities.
  • Planning & Organizing — Monitoring/assessing the performance of systems, processes, hardware, and software to take corrective actions and make improvements; validating that a system confirms with key operating parameters.
  • Lifelong Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision making; showing interest and motivation to learn new material; able to gather new information whether formally presented, shared by others, or personally observed.
Got an Associate's Degree and certifications? LinkedIn identified that new Cybersecurity job holders were 3 times more likely to hold an Associate's degree than the average US worker. Getting an Associate's degree and obtaining in-demand industry certifications can be a good pathway into a Cybersecurity career.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Technology
  • Networking

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
  2. Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
  3. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
  4. Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
  5. Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
  6. Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.